I also love anything from Williams Sonoma. Their kitchen towels, logo towels, and little holiday towels are fun. I love their Essential Oils Kitchen Essentials with dish soap. hand soap or lotion, and countertop spray. The olive oil and balsamic vinegar sets are wonderful!

Name: Wendy

Age: 47

City: Ottawa Hills, Ohio

Occupation: financial advisor

Number of Children: two

If I find something monogrammed that’s appropriate for a hostess gift, I buy it and set it aside until I can use it. Some examples are soap, cheese boards, notecards, and coasters. Otherwise, I’ll pick up something seasonal from Williams Sonoma…a pumpkin bread mix, hot chocolate, etc.

Name: Jill

Age: 47

City: Cincinnati, Ohio

Occupation: teacher

Number of Children: two

My go-to a lot of times is a Yankee candle in a “generic” scent, like Vanilla Cupcake, or a seasonal scent for that time of year.

Name: Tammy

Age: 49

City: Pauline, South Carolina

Occupation: homemaker

Number of Children: 2 daughters, 1 heavenly daughter

I try to personalize my hostess gifts as much as possible…whether it be “themed” along with the party I’m attending or something I definitely know the hostess appreciates and enjoys. My favorite idea when attending a dinner party is to provide a breakfast bread, coffee, and a couple of mini-bottles of Baileys or OJ/champagne for the hosts’ morning after breakfast.

A great bottle of wine that the host will love. As a level 1 Sommelier, I sometimes bring something I think the host may not have tried before, but really like.

Name: Kathy

Age: 61

City: Ottawa Hills, Ohio

Occupation: development officer

Number of Children: one

I have several go-to hostess gifts when attending a party or dinner hosted by a friend. A nice bottle of their favorite wine or pretty cocktail napkins (depending on the host). But if it’s a special friend, I usually take a jar of American Spoon preserves, jelly or spoon fruit. That way it’s a gift the entire family can enjoy.

Name: Julie

Age: 48

City: Sylvania, Ohio

Occupation: stay at home mom

Number of Children: three

Wine is probably my easiest pick up. I also enjoy perusing Hallmark or TK Lane (a local boutique) for a fun gift, often seasonal.

Name: Meredith

Age: 40

City: Ottawa Hills, Ohio

Occupation: former licensed nursing home administrator…now a household engineer

Number of Children: four

I would have to say Paula Brown sells a pistachio dish for about $20 and then I get a bag of pistachios. It’s kind of my go-to gift for men or women or for a couple. It is also great for cherries. There is a separate bottom dish for the shells or pits.

As always, my friends shared some great ideas! I will definitely remember these suggestions the next time I need a hostess gift!!!